To commemorate the 90th anniversary of the death of Marie Alexandrovna, Grand Duchess of Russia, Duchess of Edinburgh and of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Majesty magazine has just published my article ‘Always Imperial’ in their October 2010 issue.

Other articles on royal history contained within this issue: ‘Frankly speaking’ (Prince Francis of Teck) by Adrian Woodhouse, ‘On His Majesty’s Service’ (Duke and Duchess of Windsor) by Robert Prentice.

The historical Diamond Fringe Tiara of Imperial Russian design – Kokoshnik – belonged to Marie Grand Duchess of Russia, Duchess of Edinburgh and of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha received from her father, the Tsar Alexander II. Marie Alexandrovna bequeathed it to her eldest daughter, Queen Marie of Romania, who in her turn gave it to her daughter Queen Maria of Yugoslavia. This historical royal tiara was ultimately sold by Maria, the Queen Mother of Yugoslavia in July 1960 through Sotheby’s for an amount of £ 10,800 to Levy Cohen. The photomontage above shows the three Maries (grandmother, daughter and granddaughter) wearing this beautiful piece of jewellery on a background formed by the tiara itself.

Queen Marie of Romania w. the famous kokoshnik tiara. The Paintings are by Philip de Laszlo, 1936

Description: the larger vertical sections are set with cushion-shaped stones and pear-shaped stones at the tips, alternating with smaller collet-set sections, the whole graduating from the center, made in the early 19th century.

Stefano Papi’s new book ‘Jewels of the Romanovs. Family & Court’ is published by Thames & Hudson (September 2010):

Every jewel tells a story. Through his work at Sotheby’s and Christie’s and his own extensive research, Stefano Papi has spent years unraveling the mysteries of Russian imperial jewelry. He identifies pieces with little or unknown provenance, and he uncovers the fascinating stories behind the jewels and the people who wore them. He takes us through the golden years, and after the Revolution he follows the survivors of the Romanov line—and their jewelry—in European courts and in Paris, where many exiles sought refuge.

I am happy to announce that the book also contains a few relevant photographs from my collection

SALE OF IMPERIAL RUSSIAN BANQUETING SERVICE – CHRISTIES The Imperial Russian banqueting service is auctioned off at Christie’s London. Various shots of the 742 piece Russian dinner service on display at Christie’s. Various shots full auction room. Pan across the entire service. (fine china, serverware, antiques, porcelain, dishes). Source: wpa film library